IMEX and Events Industry Council encourage innovation in sustainability

The IMEX Group is again demonstrating its commitment to encouraging best practice in sustainability within the meetings industry worldwide. It is joining with the Event Industry Council (EIC) in promoting the IMEX- EIC Innovation in Sustainability Award.

The Award is now open for entries, to be submitted by 1 March 2018, and the winner will be revealed at the IMEX in Frankfurt Gala Dinner taking place on Wednesday 16 May 2018.

This IMEX- EIC Innovation in Sustainability Award has been created to give well deserved recognition to a meeting, incentive, convention or exhibition program stakeholder team who are driving forward sustainability.

In particular, it recognizes innovation that strengthens the meetings industry by leveraging sustainable practices and supports environmental, social and economic success and long-term resilience.
The judges’ criteria will include the impact on the environment, community and local economy; innovation in sustainability, collaboration with stakeholders and legacy.

2017 Winner
This year’s successful entrant will follow Carlson Rezidor, the inaugural winner in 2017 for their Blu Planet initiative, which was implemented throughout Radisson Blu Hotels. This focused on promoting water mindfulness, both in guest actions and hotel operations.

Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group, explains: “Sustainability has been one of our core values since our inaugural show 15 years ago. We are committed not only to implementing sustainability best practice at our shows but also to encouraging the industry to do so, through our education programs and through initiatives such as this award. It’s heartening to see how many organizations have, over the years, demonstrated their creativity and commitment to sustainability. Who’d have thought it was possible, even five years ago, for Superbowl 2018 to declare a zero-waste target? Times have really changed and IMEX is delighted to celebrate and support that change.”